next G wireless broadband

I have a TUC500 and have used the inbuilt internet thing on it occasionally but I am considering useing the phone as a modem (it came with software and cable) via a telstra datapac, I was looking at the $20/month option as I would only want it to do the banking etc while I'm away. Alas I HAVE NOT BEEN AWAY for a long while and don't look like getting away now for another 6 months so if anyone does use this I too woulod like to know how it goes....

I use the Next G network with my Notebook. $29 data pack gets you 70 MB data. Enough for emails as long as your mates don't send videos etc in their emails.

I know others who use the Data card and it seems OK too.

I am using the Next-G wireless modem after much soul searching and research. All the Telstra or BigPond services are OK but the wireless modem can give you the cheapest rates. However, as Steve pointed out, it suffers from the problem of needing a 240V supply as it comes out of the box.

This short coming can be overcome with a 12V-6V step down device available from the likes of DSE or Jaycar. They come built into an enlarged cigarette lighter type socket. Modify the modems power cable bu cutting it and joining it back up with a plug and cable socket (the plug on the bit to the modem.) You then terminate the 6V output cable from the power converter with a similar on to the one you have added to the power brick cable. You can then use the modem with either the original power brick or the new power converter.

PeterD

Where are you getting the $50.00 a month. We're with Telstra and paying $79 for the 1G per month and have the Maxon card - works well in broadband areas but can be a little flaky in outer areas.

Dian

I was all set to purchase the USB plug in modem today, but after reading this post I opted for the 240v modem and as someone has already pointed out I can wire it to run off a 12v cig socket with a 6v step down that I already have.

What swayed me as well is that the modem is $50 cheaper and I will save $30 a month on the 1GB plan compared to the little USB dongle.

So here I am new modem installed and still on dial up as I type!!!

I managed to install the modem okay but after installing the software from the CD rom, the connecting to Bigpond page sits there doing nothing.

A call to Bigpond support and they tell me that the connect manager software that came with the modem is out of date, and that I need to download the latest version.

That is what I am doing 19mb on 21kbps dialup, should be done by midnight!

I don't know you do the right thing stick with Telstra and this is what happens

Anyone else have issues when installing or swithcing from dial up?

I have been with Bigpond dial up for about ten years, but it is so slow now.

Mind you when this wireless modem connected the speed was only 65kbps where is the 256 that is advertised?

The instructions leave a lot to be desired as it doen't mention anything on how you chance from dial up to Broadband and keep your original email address.

A long night ahead.....

cheers

16mb of 19mb downloaded only 51 minutes to go.

I know it does seem ridiculous but that's what Bigpond support told me to do, makes you think what other people are doing if they don't have dial up.

Everything seemed fine at 4pm! It would be easier to download new software vis the new modem, but it just sat there saying connecting to Bigpond for over an hour.

Whoa there slow down,

It is now installed and working and very fast

Goodbye Dialup RIP

cheers